
Industrialization Project Lead - Site Ramp-Up India (f/m/x)
Key Skills
Job Description
Seeing beyond - future of medical technology
For more than 100 years, ZEISS medical technology has been driving progress in ophthalmology and microsurgery. In ophthalmology, our solutions help to maintain and improve people's vision at every stage of their lives. In microsurgery, our solutions enable targeted interventions on diseased tissue so that small and sensitive organs continue to function optimally. Medical technology from ZEISS supports medical professionals in improving the lives of patients worldwide. The fact that our actions have a direct impact on people's well-being is what drives us every day.
Take on a key role in establishing and successfully ramping up a new production site. From site readiness and equipment commissioning through to stable series production, you will lead the on-site operational activities and create the conditions for sustainable growth in a regulated environment.
Your Role
- Own the operational ramp-up plan for the site, from building fit-out and equipment installation through qualification to the start of series production
- Translate overarching program milestones into actionable workstreams, clear responsibilities, and robust site-level schedules
- Lead and coordinate all contributing functions, including Operations, Quality, Engineering, IT, Supply Chain, and HR
- Ensure the structured transfer of manufacturing processes, production know-how, and relevant process and product documentation
- Plan and oversee commissioning, installation, operational, and process qualification activities in close collaboration with Engineering and Quality
- Identify schedule, capacity, and budget risks early; drive appropriate corrective actions and escalate cross-site decisions where needed
Your Profile
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Natural Sciences, Business Administration, or a comparable field
- Extensive professional experience—ideally at least ten years—including proven leadership experience in operational, shopfloor-related project roles
- Demonstrated experience in establishing, relocating, or ramping up international production sites, preferably in greenfield or brownfield projects
- Strong understanding of production ramp-ups, from equipment commissioning and process qualification to the stabilization of series production
- Experience in regulated manufacturing environments, such as ISO 13485, MDR, or FDA; knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or project-management certifications is a plus
- Fluent English and willingness to spend regular and increasing time at the ramp-up location; German and/or Kannada language skills are an advantage
- Based in India or willingness to move to India during the time of the project.
- High willingness to travel
Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:
Norman FunkCore Responsibilities
The Industrialization Project Lead will own the operational ramp-up plan for a new production site, overseeing everything from facility fit-out to the start of series production. They will coordinate cross-functional teams including Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain to ensure successful process transfer and qualification.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field and possess at least ten years of professional experience, specifically in establishing or ramping up international production sites. Strong knowledge of regulated manufacturing environments like ISO 13485 and proven leadership capabilities are essential for this role.
About ZEISS Group
Industry: Machinery Manufacturing
Company size: 10,001+ employees
ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling almost 12 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, and Consumer Markets (September 30, 2025). For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces, and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world's leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses, and binoculars. With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare, and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company's significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS' technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 15 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future. With over 46,600 employees, ZEISS is active globally in around 50 countries with more than 60 sales and service locations, around 40 research and development facilities, and 30 production facilities worldwide. Learn more about ZEISS: www.zeiss.com/about Data privacy: www.zeiss.com/data-protection Imprint: www.zeiss.com/publisher This is ZEISS's official LinkedIn account. It follows the ZEISS Netiquette: www.zeiss.com/netiquette